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Category: Education & University Insights

NTA Disputes NEET-UG Re-Exam Paper Leak Claims

India — The National Testing Agency (NTA) has dismissed claims about a leak of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination question paper. On June 7, 2026, the agency called these allegations “false and fraudulent.” They aim to reassure candidates and their families about the integrity of the exam process.

The NTA’s quick response follows widespread rumors on social media. These rumors suggested that some individuals had illegal access to the re-examination papers. Such unverified claims increased anxiety among the hundreds of thousands of students preparing for this important exam. The NTA stressed the need to rely on official notifications rather than unverified reports from messaging apps. According to News18, the NTA’s clarification seeks to reduce panic caused by misinformation, especially during high-stakes situations like the NEET-UG.

Impact on Candidates’ Exam Preparation Strategies

The NTA’s denial of the paper leak claims is crucial for NEET-UG candidates. With the exam date approaching, students are focused on strengthening their knowledge and skills. The NTA’s reassurance allows candidates to concentrate on studying instead of worrying about unfair advantages others might have. This focus is vital, as students often feel immense pressure to perform well, and rumors of cheating can increase their stress.

Career Ahead’s analysis shows that this incident highlights the need for clear communication from educational authorities. Conflicting information can confuse and distress students. This situation emphasizes the importance of official channels to reduce misinformation and maintain a focused study environment. Furthermore, the NTA’s commitment to examination integrity can build candidates’ trust in the system. Trust is essential in high-stakes assessments like the NEET-UG, where students invest significant time and resources. By addressing these rumors directly, the NTA strengthens its credibility and reassures students about the fairness of the examination process.

As candidates prepare, they must stay alert against misinformation. The NTA has advised students and parents to ignore false claims on social media. This reinforces the importance of focusing on studies. This incident serves as a reminder of the distractions posed by social media and the need for verified information. The rise of social media scams, noted by sources like Scam Detector, shows how easily misinformation spreads. Therefore, students must rely on credible sources.

Trust in Examination Authorities and Future Policies

The NTA’s proactive stance against misinformation is vital for maintaining trust in examination authorities. Amid rising concerns over examination integrity, the agency’s efforts to clarify the situation show a commitment to transparency and accountability. This approach may influence future policies on how examination authorities communicate with candidates and the public. The NTA’s actions could set a standard for other educational authorities facing similar challenges, highlighting the need for strong communication strategies.

Career Ahead research indicates that examination integrity is under increasing scrutiny, especially in the digital age where misinformation spreads quickly. Educational institutions and examination bodies must adopt strong communication strategies to combat rumors and ensure students receive accurate information. The NTA’s actions could serve as a model for other educational authorities facing similar challenges. Additionally, this incident highlights the need for better security measures in the examination process. The NTA has stated that the preparation, storage, and distribution of examination materials follow strict security protocols. However, as technology evolves, so must the methods used to protect examination integrity. This may lead to more advanced surveillance and verification systems in future exams.

As the NTA works on improving its operational protocols, candidates can expect a more secure examination environment. This is essential not only for the NEET-UG but also for other competitive exams across the country. It reinforces that educational authorities are taking necessary steps to protect genuine candidates. Meanwhile, the NTA’s efforts to combat misinformation include collaborating with law enforcement. These partnerships aim to track the digital footprints of those spreading false claims, addressing the root causes of misinformation. Such measures can help deter future attempts to undermine the examination process.

The NTA’s firm response to the NEET-UG paper leak rumors has broader implications for India’s education sector. Competitive examinations are crucial in the academic landscape, making the integrity of these assessments vital. The NTA’s actions may encourage other educational bodies to adopt similar stances against misinformation and improve their communication strategies. As the NEET-UG examination approaches, the focus on integrity could influence policy discussions about examination protocols. Policymakers may consider stricter regulations to ensure secure and transparent examination processes. This could lead to a reevaluation of existing policies and the introduction of new measures to protect candidates from fraud and ensure fairness.

Career Ahead’s analysis suggests that emphasizing examination integrity will shape future educational policies. The growing use of technology in education requires a reevaluation of how exams are conducted and monitored. The NTA’s commitment to security and transparency can serve as a model for other educational institutions facing similar challenges. Moreover, this incident highlights the need to foster trust between students and examination authorities. As candidates deal with the pressures of high-stakes exams, they need to feel confident that the systems support their success. This trust is essential for maintaining the credibility of the educational system as a whole.

Looking ahead, the NTA’s actions may change how candidates view examination authorities. As students become more aware of misinformation challenges, they may adopt a more critical approach to the information they encounter. This could lead to a more informed and engaged student body, capable of navigating the complexities of education. As the education sector evolves, the need for transparent communication and strong security measures will remain crucial. The NTA’s response to the NEET-UG paper leak claims serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in maintaining examination integrity and the importance of proactive measures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should NEET-UG candidates do if they hear about exam leaks?

NEET-UG candidates should rely on official notifications from the NTA and ignore unverified claims on social media. Staying informed through verified sources helps candidates focus on their studies.

How can education policy analysts assess the impact of NTA’s statements on public trust?

Education policy analysts can evaluate the NTA’s statements by monitoring public sentiment and trust levels among candidates. Surveys and feedback from students can provide insights into how effectively the NTA’s communication has addressed concerns.

What measures are in place to prevent exam paper leaks in NEET-UG?

The NTA uses a multi-layered security system for preparing, storing, and distributing examination materials. This includes advanced digital tracking systems and secure transport methods to prevent unauthorized access.

June 7, 2026
CBSE Students’ IIT Admission Relief from 75% Criteria?

India — The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has made important changes to the eligibility criteria for students applying through the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) counselling process. Starting June 6, 2026, CBSE students who score less than 75% in their Class 12 exams can now join the counselling process. This decision responds to concerns about the evaluation process of the CBSE board exams, especially the on-screen marking (OSM) system.

This change in the 75% marks requirement is a significant policy shift. It allows more candidates to apply for admission to top engineering institutes in India. IIT Roorkee confirmed that seat allotments will depend on candidates’ JEE Advanced ranks, not their Class 12 marks. This change could help thousands of students who were previously excluded due to strict marks criteria. It reflects a growing belief among students and educators that the evaluation system should be more inclusive and show students’ true abilities.

Understanding the Changes in JoSAA Counselling

The JoSAA counselling process is vital for students seeking admission to various engineering colleges, including the 23 IITs, 31 National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and other government-funded technical institutes. In the past, students needed at least 75% in their Class 12 exams to be eligible for admission through JEE Advanced. The recent announcement allows students with lower marks to fill in their choices during counselling, as long as they submit a revised scorecard by July 15, 2026.

This decision follows appeals from student groups who raised concerns about the OSM evaluation system. Many students received scanned copies of their answer sheets that showed mismatched evaluations, which raised doubts about the reliability of the results. The IIT Roorkee administration recognized these issues and is working with the CBSE to ensure that affected students are accommodated. According to a report by Mint, this change directly addresses the frustrations of students and parents regarding the fairness of the examination process.

Career Ahead’s analysis suggests that this policy change could greatly increase the number of applicants to IITs and other top engineering institutes. With around 56,880 candidates qualifying for the JEE Advanced this year, including students with lower marks could create a more diverse applicant pool. This shift opens doors for students who faced unfair evaluations and shows a growing recognition of the need for flexibility in educational policies. The implications of this change go beyond numbers; it indicates a potential shift in the culture of engineering admissions in India, where meritocracy is often overshadowed by rigid criteria.

Additionally, the JoSAA counselling process will continue with five rounds of seat allocation, ending on July 21, 2026. This timeline gives students plenty of chances to secure their desired courses, even if they initially faced challenges due to the marks criteria. The flexibility in admissions may also reduce pressure on students during this competitive period, allowing them to focus on their JEE Advanced preparations without worrying about meeting the 75% threshold.

Implications for CBSE Students and Admission Strategies

The relaxation of the 75% marks requirement has major implications for CBSE students wanting to enter engineering fields. Students who felt discouraged by their marks can now concentrate on preparing for the JEE Advanced without the added stress of strict eligibility criteria. This change is especially important for those who faced challenges during their exams due to OSM evaluation discrepancies. As noted by Careers360, this policy shift is expected to boost student morale, encouraging them to pursue their engineering aspirations without the fear of exclusion based on arbitrary marks thresholds.

Furthermore, this development encourages students to refine their admission strategies. With the new policy, candidates should focus on preparing for the JEE Advanced exam, as their performance in this exam will be the main factor for their admission prospects. Career Ahead’s research shows that students who perform well in JEE Advanced will still have an advantage, even if their Class 12 marks do not meet the previous threshold. This creates a more merit-based system where students can rely on their strengths in competitive exams rather than being limited by their school performance.

Moreover, allowing lower-scoring students to join the counselling process could increase competition among candidates. Those who felt secure in their admission prospects may now face a larger pool of applicants. This situation highlights the importance of thorough preparation and strategic choice filling during the JoSAA process. As students navigate this new landscape, they will need to stay adaptable and proactive, making informed decisions about their course selections.

As the IITs and other institutes adjust to this new policy, students should stay informed about any further changes to the admission criteria. The evolving landscape of engineering admissions may lead to more modifications in the future, especially as educational authorities continue to address concerns about evaluation fairness and transparency. This policy shift shows the IITs’ responsiveness to student needs and the challenges of the current educational environment. As the admissions process unfolds, it will be crucial for students to remain engaged and proactive in their approach.

This recent change in IIT admission criteria highlights ongoing discussions about educational fairness and accessibility. As students navigate this new terrain, they must stay vigilant and adaptable to make the most of the opportunities available to them. The implications of this policy change will likely resonate throughout the academic community, prompting discussions about the future of assessment and the importance of equitable access to education.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the current eligibility criteria for IIT admissions?

The current eligibility criteria for IIT admissions require candidates to secure at least 75% marks in their Class 12 examinations or equivalent. However, recent changes allow CBSE students with lower marks to participate in the JoSAA counselling process based on their JEE Advanced rank.

How does the JoSAA counselling process work for IIT admissions?

The JoSAA counselling process involves multiple rounds of seat allocation based on JEE Advanced ranks. Students fill in their choices of institutes and courses, and seats are allocated according to their ranks. This year, the process includes students who scored less than the previous marks threshold.

What should CBSE students do if the 75% criteria is relaxed?

CBSE students should focus on preparing for the JEE Advanced exam, as their performance will now be the primary factor for admission. They must also submit a revised scorecard by July 15, 2026, to participate in the counselling process.

June 7, 2026
Final Day for CBSE Class 12 Re-Evaluation Applications
India — The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that today, June 7, 2026, is the last day for Class 12 students to submit applications for re-evaluation and verification of their exam results. This deadline is crucial for students who want to contest their marks and improve their academic standing.

The deadline was initially set for June 6 but was extended by one day due to reported difficulties in accessing answer sheets and applying for reviews. According to CBSE’s directive, applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM today through the board’s post-result services portal.

Steps for Re-Evaluation Applications

To apply for re-evaluation, students must log into the CBSE post-result services portal. They need to provide details like their roll number and identification information to access their answer sheets. Once logged in, students can report any discrepancies they see in their evaluated answer sheets, such as missing pages or incorrect answers.

Students can also request a photocopy of their answer sheets to verify the evaluation process. Transparency is vital, especially with recent controversies about evaluation accuracy and the on-screen marking system (OSM). Concerns have been raised that the scanned copies uploaded by CBSE did not match students’ handwriting, leading to fears of grading errors.

CBSE’s guidelines state that students can apply for verification of marks, which involves checking if the marks have been correctly totaled and recorded. This process is different from re-evaluation, where the entire answer sheet is re-checked for grading accuracy. Students should be aware that there are fees for both processes, which vary by service type.

Significance of the Re-Evaluation Deadline

The deadline for re-evaluation applications is more than just a date; it is a pivotal moment for many students. For those who feel their results do not reflect their true abilities, contesting these results can change their academic paths. Missing this deadline may lock students into unfavorable outcomes, affecting their choices for higher education.

According to Hindustan Times, the CBSE has faced scrutiny over its evaluation processes, especially after recent issues with the OSM system. The board has acknowledged these concerns and set up a committee to investigate these services. This scrutiny highlights the importance of the re-evaluation process, as students seek assurance that their grades are fair and accurate.

For many students, the stakes are high. A slight change in marks due to re-evaluation could mean the difference between admission into a preferred college or course and having to settle for less desirable options. This pressure is heightened by the competitive nature of higher education in India, where every mark counts.

Future Implications for Students

As the deadline approaches, students are contemplating the implications of their choices. The outcome of these applications will affect their immediate academic standing and their long-term educational and career prospects. The CBSE’s response to scrutiny may also influence future examinations and evaluations.

Students should remember that the re-evaluation process is just one part of their academic journey. They must also consider alternative pathways if their results do not meet their expectations. With the education landscape in India evolving, staying informed about policy changes will be crucial.

Moreover, ongoing discussions about transparency and accuracy in evaluations may lead to reforms within the CBSE and other educational boards. As students advocate for their rights, there is potential for changes that could benefit future cohorts.

As the clock ticks towards the midnight deadline, students across the country are urged to act quickly. The pressure is palpable, and many wonder how the results of this re-evaluation process will shape their futures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process for CBSE Class 12 re-evaluation?

Students can apply for re-evaluation through the CBSE post-result services portal. They need to provide their roll number and report any discrepancies in their answer sheets. Applications must be submitted before the deadline, which is today, June 7, 2026.

How can education administrators assist students with re-evaluation applications?

Education administrators can guide students through the application process. They ensure students understand the requirements and deadlines. They can also help with any issues students may encounter while accessing their answer sheets.

What should CBSE Class 12 students do if they miss the re-evaluation deadline?

If students miss the re-evaluation deadline, they cannot contest their results through this process. It is essential for students to stay informed about future examination policies and consider alternative educational pathways if necessary.
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June 7, 2026
5 Trust Winning Hacks for Video Interviews

“An interviewer decides on whether to hire a candidate depending on how much trust that person can garner”

I was once assigned to hunt talent for a critical regional role to manage a substantial part of our business. I sought out a few candidates and sent them across to the hiring manager for a video interview round to take a final call. I was optimistic about a candidate and almost sure that person would make it to the final. Sadly, he failed.

I was surprised to hear the reason. I got a straight answer from the interviewer, the candidate never looked him directly in the eyes! Simply put, looking away raises doubts that the person is not confident and might shroud facts. This incident brought home the fact that one may miss the opportunity to crack an interview only because their straying eyes failed to garner the trust of the interviewer.

An interviewer decides on whether to hire a candidate depending on how much trust that person can garner. Interviews are like watching a movie trailer, which are intended to intensify your craving to watch the entire movie.

The selection process goes through multiple validations before the best candidate is chosen. Sometimes the choice is not easy, especially when contenders put up a neck-to-neck fight. Here, trust plays a pivotal role. That is the deciding factor in the final decision. Years of research could not determine how trust is built. Many psychologists and NLP experts have conducted trials to map strategies to earn trust. The most recent book named ‘Trust Game’ somewhat deciphered the anatomy of trust.

They involved two sets of players. One set was given $10 each and asked to invest whatever they feel best to the other set of individuals, who played the role of businessmen. Here the promise of maximum return on capital and the ability of the businessman to raise confidence was the key. The borrower happened to convince the lender in an almost similar manner as how interviews take place. Imagine you are the businessman, and the interviewer is deciding whether to invest in you! The key is how you will ensure the interviewer is convinced of your ability to deliver on the job, to do justice to their investment in you.

I will share five strategic interventions that one needs to deal with consciously to build a level of trust. I have tried these with my community while practicing mock interviews and have seen the results. Here I will discuss everything from the perspective of virtual interview rounds.

1. Welcoming Facial Expression

Your first look, beheld for the initial 6 seconds, decides the impression you create on the interviewer. Many people maintain an emotionally neutral face or put up a fake smile. You must have met people who you connect instantaneously with a welcoming gesture. Keep your camera on at the start of the meeting and begin with a welcoming smile. Thank the interviewer for inviting you and finding you worthy of a discussion. Wearing your smile all through helps to instill familiarity.

2. Positive Eye Contact

You must have understood the importance of maintaining eye contact. There is an obvious video-conferencing faux pas – the tendency of looking down is natural and no amount of strategic laptop positioning can resolve this. We are prone to look at people on the screen rather than focus on the webcam, thereby missing that all-important opportunity to make eye contact! You may achieve this by fixing the camera at eye level by raising the base of the laptop. If you connect via phone, use a tripod. Practice looking at the lens and not at the screen, this will help you maintain the right eye contact.

“You have one opportunity to strike a chord with the interviewer while being one of the many contenders that appear before them”

3. Confident Hand Gestures

You must have felt clumsy with your hands in crucial meetings. There are many views about how aptly our hands could be used and rested. Hand gestures certainly build impact while you try to make a point. Using hands effectively in a face-to-face interaction is easier, but making it work for a video round seems difficult. People usually see up to your bust while your hands remain out of the frame. One needs to practice using hand gestures within the frame effectively. It makes the conversation more engaging, helps stress upon your views, and builds trust as people find you expressing genuinely.

4. Convincing Answering Strategy

This trick is effective even when you have the answer, pause before you respond. Decipher the connotation of the interviewer’s question well to coin the apt reply. Remember sometimes interview questions come like multiheaded spears! You need to decode the real purpose behind the question. Make sure you satisfy the query of the interviewer. Your poise, aplomb, and rational mind must reflect in every response you give. You have one opportunity to create an impression and to move towards building the trust of the interviewer.

5 Curating a Professional Ambiance

While preparing for a virtual interview, there are a few mandatory practical hacks that may play spoilsports if ignored. Start with what you wear. Imagine how you would have dressed if you were going for an in-person interview. Wear a look that you carry well.

A professional background goes a long way in creating a professional look for yourself. The best backgrounds are either single colored or an office interior. You may simply choose a background from free stock photos. There are hundreds of images available for you to use. If you are in haste, remember to blur the background before you start the meeting! Never ignore the lighting and efficiency of your internet connection. These two may cause you enough embarrassment if not dealt with beforehand. Building trust does not depend only on how you deal with an array of questions, the ambiance you create as well as your conduct play critical roles.

You have one opportunity to strike a chord with the interviewer while being one of the many contenders that appear before them. If you consider with these five strategies consciously and ensure you play it right, I am confident you will be in control of the conversation and successfully build the trust of the interviewer. Trust is the only element that steers the apex decision when the interview scores of top candidates are close. Interviews are like performing in a stage show – you cannot repeat your performance. Prepare well to make it a pleasant experience at first go and score your best!

December 23, 2021
TOP 10 SCHOOLS IN DELHI – 2021

People flock to the city of Delhi carrying their own weighty bundle of inspirations, ambitions, and other big dreams. No matter where you come from, Delhi welcomes you with open arms full of opportunities and better standards of life, great atmosphere, and exposure. It’s a city that lets you showcase your talents as you climb up the ladder and hone your skills. When it comes to primary and secondary education, Delhi can offer schools that provide the best foundation along with a colorful mixture of experiences. Delhi is home to many prestigious schools, each with their own special features and array of facilities. Here’s a list of the top 10 schools in Delhi, if you’re set on sending your child to the best schools for a great learning experience.

1. Modern School (1920)

Affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum, this is a day school with boarding facilities that consistently ranks at the top of the list. The vision of its founders perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the school, which combines ‘best of ancient Indian tradition with the needs of the time.’

The school has computer labs, canteens, medical facilities, science laboratories, a special education room, Lala Pratap Singh library along with a junior library, computer resource room, mathematics, a language laboratory, as well as dance and music rooms. The school also provides cricket, basketball, table tennis, and squash courts, an Olympic sized swimming pool, gymnasium, horse-riding arena, and facilities to learn golf.

Fun fact: Modern School was the first private school in India and was established before independence.

Notable alumni: Indira Gandhi, Gautam Gambhir, Barkha Dutt.

2. The British School New Delhi (1963)

The British school is a co-educational, not-for-profit school that follows the National Curriculum of England (adapted to an international context) to the end of Year 9, IGCSE in Years 10 and 11, and the IB Diploma in Years 12 and 13. With students of 66 nationalities, the school aims to provide well-rounded development, student friendly multi-cultural environment and exposure. The school also maintains a smaller teacher to student ratio of 1:8 to ensure all students get individual attention in a safe protected environment.

The school provides organic food, ensures clean air with an air purification system, and interactive ICT-enabled air-conditioned classrooms. The school is equipped with outdoor play areas, a reception hall, a multimedia computer lab, art studio, green house library, and various labs for different disciplines such as geography, language, math, and history.

Fun fact: The British School was awarded the Top British International School Award by BISA (British International School Awards) in London in January 2018.

Notable alumni: Malini Aggarwal, Prof John Windsor

3. Springdales School (1955)

Springdales is a co-educational day school, affiliated to the CBSE board. It offers classes from pre-primary to grade 12. It also offers a foreign languages department and a cultural exchange program.

The infrastructure of the school includes various educational and art and science clubs, library, science and computer labs, biotechnology lab, teachers’ research center, and a holiday home in Mussoorie. The sports facilities include athletics, basketball, cricket, football, gymnasium, and skating facilities, among others.

Fun fact: Springdales school has a work experience farm at Chhatarpur to teach children about the dignity of labor, working with nature, and community living.

Notable alumni: Vikas Jain, Sahil Sangha

4. The Mother’s International School (1956)

The Mother’s International School is a co-educational school affiliated to the CBSE board. It is managed by the Sri Aurobindo Education Society. The school provides a clean, eco-friendly environment for students. It has three wings, Pre-Primary, Primary and Secondary.

The school teaches four languages – English, Hindi, Sanskrit, and French. It offers a lavish infrastructure with all modern amenities and technology. The school has a great library as well as Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Computer Labs. It also has clubs/societies that organize various activities to develop the students’ skills and extract the best out of every child in fields such as art and craft, dance, debate, publication, nature, and music.

Fun facts: The campus also hosts a bakery, iron-work unit, wood-work unit, candle-making and handmade paper unit, vocational training center, and book store.

5. Sardar Patel Vidyalaya (1958)

Popularly known as SPV Lodhi Estate, this is a co-educational school affiliated to the CBSE board, managed by Gujarat Education Society. The school provides a lush green campus, library, medical and transport bus facilities.

There are two computer labs, an Audio/Visual Room that meets the audio and video requirements for presentations, training workshops, etc. The school has football, basketball, volleyball, and cricket teams, and has produced many top-class cricketers and athletes who have played for the nation or in Ranji teams, including Ajay Jadeja, Rahul Sanghvi, Gagan Khoda, Deep Dasgupta, Vivek Razdan, and National Record holder high jumper Tejaswin Shankar. SPV has produced several Rhodes Scholars.

Fun fact: It is the only private school in India that employs Hindi as a medium of instruction in the primary school.

Notable alumni: Swara Bhaskar, Nandita Das.

6. The Shri Ram School (1988)

The Shri Ram School is affiliated to Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). The school is a co-educational day school. The school also offers the IB Diploma Program, administered by the International Baccalaureate (IB), and the National Indian Open Schooling (NIOS) Certificate. Facilities include a science laboratory, computer and ICT labs, music and dance rooms, lunchroom, assembly hall, sports facilities, a yoga room, and an all-weather performance area – Shri Manch.

The campus infrastructure includes the library, the computer and science laboratories, AV room, workshop room, the liberal arts studio, the auditorium, the gymnasium, the medical room, the SEN/NIOS rooms, the kitchens, the lunch area, and staff rooms. Extra-curricular activities such as sport, dance, music, art, clay, drama, and hobby classes are run along with the academic curriculum for further enrichment of students.

7. Vasant Valley School, Delhi (1990)

Vasant Valley School, is a co-educational, private day school, affiliated to the CBSE board, National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) curriculum, with classes from Nursery to grade 12, located in Vasant Kunj, Delhi. The school is divided into two wings, with an open amphitheater connecting them. The school has well-equipped science laboratories, two libraries, a state-of-the-art Occupational Therapy facility, an auditorium and gymnasium, extensive sports facilities, and a specialized center for the Visual and Performing Arts.

Fun fact: In 2012, Vasant Valley found a mention in Forbes India’s list of ‘5 Tough Schools to Get Your Kid Into’.

Notable alumni: Jayati Modi

8. Delhi Public School, RK Puram (1972)

Delhi Public School (DPS), RK Puram, is affiliated to the CBSE board and is a co-educational day and boarding private school in South Delhi. In addition, two separate campuses in Vasant Vihar and East of Kailash comprise the Junior or Elementary School Branch, for students from Nursery through grade 5.

The school offers a world class education in a highly competitive, tech-savvy environment with updated teaching methods. It includes 20 labs with latest facilities, libraries, music center, sports complex, assembly area and well-equipped presentation venues. The school also has one of the first robotics labs at school level. There is a fitness center, basketball court, billiards, swimming pools, yoga center, squash, chess, football, and other sport facilities.

Fun fact: In May 2017, a team of two students from the school was awarded the Grand Prize at the 2017 NASA Ames Space Settlement Contest.

Notable alumni: Kunal Bahl, Rohit Bansal, Raghuram Rajan

9. Sanskriti School, Delhi (1998)

Sanskriti school is affiliated to the CBSE board and offers education from Nursery to grade 12. The school is run by Civil Services Society, an NGO formed by senior civil servants and their wives, with the spouse of the serving Cabinet Secretary of India as its chairperson.

The amphitheater built at the very center of the school hosts all assemblies, special ceremonies. The school has a swimming pool that is built to international standards, and a centrally air-conditioned circular building over three floors houses the junior, middle, and senior school libraries. The school also has its own museum and canteen. The lush campus houses various science labs and a playground, and there are many art clubs that provide opportunities for extracurricular activities.

Fun fact: Sanskriti School annuals hosts the Sanskriti Model United Nations conference witnessing a footfall of 100-500 delegates from across India and its neighboring countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka.

10. Army Public School, Dhaula Kuan (1953)

Army Public School is affiliated to the CBSE board and offers classes up to grade 12. There are no formal tests at the primary level. The school follows the CBSE system of Comprehensive and Continuous Evaluation (CCE) and a grading system is used instead of marks. Students are evaluated in scholastic as well as co-scholastic areas. The school provides a world-class education with a progressive, tech-savvy attitude, ICT curriculum integrated into educational practices, while also giving considerable emphasis to sports and arts.

The 31.5-acre school campus hosts four wings – primary wing, secondary wing, senior secondary wing, and activity wing. The activity wing houses a computer lab, activity rooms for music and dance, bank, MI room, and book and uniform shops. There are separate libraries for senior and junior students, an auditorium, three cafeterias, a science park, a boys’ hostel, a mini golf course, six basketball courts, two tennis courts and one football field. Students are encouraged to engage in debate, drama, music, art, dance and clay modeling, besides educational programs such as seminars and workshops. There is a greater emphasis on sports and students participate in state and national level tournaments. The school promotes sports such as swimming, basketball, football, volleyball, tennis, golf, hockey, squash, horse-riding, and shooting.

Notable alumni: Ritu Beri, Chetan Bhagat.

Disclaimer: The list is in no particular order and includes only co-ed schools of Delhi. The article solely reflects the personal opinion of the author.

December 23, 2021
Be an Explorer – and Flourish through the Journey
“Being in sports made me realize that merely providing athlete-support is not a sustainable solution, and that there is a need for creative sports ecosystems”

It was a hot and humid summer in Delhi in 2013 when I got a call from a new friend – Naman, a 10-year-old boy then. He excitedly asked, “Uncle, can we go to play tennis now as my parents have gone for a wedding?” It was 2 in the afternoon. I felt that childlike rush of freedom, play, and excitement again. I hurriedly agreed to pick him up in half an hour to play on the red-hot clay court in the sweltering Delhi heat. With the temperature on court feeling like 50 degrees Celsius, we survived (not really played) for an hour somehow. I enjoyed being crazy, although heat-stroked, and loved every bit of it. That one incident got me seriously thinking about the ‘power of play’, especially for our younger generation.

This thought lingered in my mind for many days. There was an overhaul taking place in my mind. I had an exceptional professional career, having seen seven promotions within four years. My good work ethic, commitment, and teamwork coupled with a good organization culture had all contributed to my professional success. While these ingredients were all there, I realized that I was missing out on two crucial elements – ‘passion’ and ‘purpose’. While I loved the thrills, accolades and recognition that my corporate job offered, I missed the internal peace, a sense of having contributed back to society. I wondered what I could achieve if I only added passion to the hard work that I was already putting in. So, I took a leap of faith and one fine morning, I resigned from my job. Although all I heard from people around me was that I was taking a big risk, I did not consider it a risk, as for the first time in my life I had clarity, purpose and internal happiness by-products.

I may not have played sports at a professional level, yet I had always enjoyed playing sports, watching sports and had internalized the power of sports. Nothing gave me greater joy than seeing people, kids, professionals playing sports; seeing a display of sportsman spirit at all levels – be it a gully game or a professional sport – seeing the way sports connected people in a way nothing else could.

With no background, understanding, experience or connections, I started from ground zero. I persevered every single day. And as any sportsman would say – focus on one point at a time, I focussed on one day at a time. Rather than looking out for a job in sports, I invested hugely in myself to first become job-worthy in this new sector. I read a lot of literature about sports, made at least one new connection every day, visited countless sports academies, interacted with all key stakeholders (athletes, parents, coaches, scientists, administrators) in the sports ecosystem; learnt and unlearnt every single day. Within roughly two years of starting my foray into sports, I felt more educated than ever on this self-learning journey.

“…as any sportsman would say – focus on one point at a time, I focused on one day at a time”

“Having an opportunity to work with people who want to excel on a daily basis has immensely helped me to be a better version of myself every day. I have realized the power of effort, perseverance, detailing, execution, intention, passion, and above all – a purpose”

With the right intentions and learning from the ground up, I could see one opportunity after another to serve sports. I had opportunities to serve a lot of sports participants (athletes, coaches, community people, children). Many were top Indian athletes from various sports. The turning point in this journey was the chance to support and work with Indian Paralympians. When I saw such specially abled people excelling in sports, breaking their physical barriers, it broke my own mental barriers too. It gave me the most important lesson of my life.

Being in sports made me realize that merely providing athlete-support is not a sustainable solution, and that there is a need for creative sports ecosystems. I was fascinated with the system built by Pullela Gopichand, Chief National Badminton Coach. Through help from a close friend, I was introduced to Pullela Gopichand. Having always been a great fan of his, and with a bigger intent to contribute to Indian sports development, I presented my ideas and understood his thoughts on building sustainable eco-systems. Within a month of that meeting, I came to Gopichand Academy in Hyderabad and thereafter made a permanent home in the city. I was able to contribute to his next dream/vision of ‘Physical Literacy for every Indian Child’. This initiative could reach over 30,000 government schools all over India.

Through Gopichand Foundation, we initiated the creation of a sustainable system for athletics development under the leadership of Coach Nagapuri Ramesh. The project has athletes from very humble backgrounds; and gave me the biggest opportunity to ‘impact human lives through sports’. This project and the ‘physical literacy’ initiative made me reflect and realize that a focus on sports development was not enough to earn medals, a focus on society and nation development through sports for all was even more important.

“We are on a mission to promote Olympism Values – Excellence | Friendship | Respect – through sports to our younger population”

From 2017 onwards, I was fortunate to work with another one of my idols, Abhinav Bindra, India’s only individual Olympic Gold Medallist. Under his leadership, we are on a mission to promote Olympism Values – Excellence | Friendship | Respect – through sports to our younger population.

Having an opportunity to work with people who want to excel on a daily basis has immensely helped me to be a better version of myself every day. I have realized the power of effort, perseverance, detailing, execution, intention, passion, and above all – a purpose. To summarize, I found a purpose that resonated with my passion and I put my heart and sweat into it, and I am flourishing through this journey.
- The article was originally published in Career Ahead July 2021 issue.
December 23, 2021
Returning to School

“In the near future, we can only hope for things to return to complete normalcy, albeit with the added responsibility of following Covid protocols at all times”

With schools and educational institutes beginning to resume in-class teaching, things have begun to look up for students. In the near future, we can only hope for things to return to complete normalcy, albeit with the added responsibility of following Covid protocols at all times. The restarting of schools would not only mean attending classes in person, but it will also be a pleasant time for teachers to catch up with pupils, for students to meet one another, and to study and learn together again. It will also be a time to share and learn from each other’s experiences whether good or bad in the past year, to value the importance of coming to school and be excited to be able to do so every day. We also understand how the recent past has taught us that health is of utmost importance. With that learning in mind, we must look at this refreshed phase as a new beginning.

Returning to educational institutions, however, may not come easy for most children as there are a few pros and cons that are bound to surface. For instance, over time, there has been a loss of motivation for children to rise early to commute to school. There is more pressure on parents with younger children to get them ready and drop them off to school. Tendencies towards lower self-discipline, short attention spans and greater attention to health issues will play a role in having to adapt to a new routine. Another area that has been affected adversely over the course of the past 18 months is the social skills of children, because of little to no interaction with peers.

“Another area that has been affected adversely over the course of the past 18 months is the social skills of children, because of little to no interaction with peers”

“Online classes have also encouraged self-directed learning and have helped to refine and critical thinking capabilities”

And yet, there are some positive aspects too! In the last year and a half, children have not stopped learning. Amongst some of the new things they have learnt are technical skills that they were compelled to understand in order to partake in online learning and interaction. Online classes have also encouraged self-directed learning and have helped to refine and critical thinking capabilities. As learning from the comfort of their homes meant no travelling, children did not feel exhausted. It will now be critical for children to restart their learning journey by coming out of the confines of their homes and back into schools with not only a sound mind but a strong immune system. It is time for students to recapture and regain prime fitness and make up for lost time.

For every child to achieve success in all their endeavors, I believe physical education is of prime importance. This is, therefore, a time for students to build on their health like never before, and all parents should encourage their children to engage in as many forms of physical education as possible. Remember, we are all in this together!

December 23, 2021
Training and Education in the Services Sector – Time for an Overhaul

“The future workforce has to, therefore, compete with smart machines and persevere to get smarter, which simply means they must develop superior skills, bandwidth, and knowledge.”

Technology is literally and figuratively reshaping the world as we know it. The global economy is now, more than ever, dependent on innovation, disruption and reimagination to re-create the manufacturing, services and agricultural sectors. The challenges are not just limited to finding new sustainable and environment-friendly approaches, but extend to the why and how of “smarter ways of doing”, to remain relevant and ahead of the competition.

Among the key three ‘M’ resources – namely, Men, Money, Materials – conventionally speaking, the services sector continues to depend on human resources (whereas manufacturing is now almost totally automated). However, there is a noticeable change in the way in which human resource is perceived, as compared to machines (with all its salient advantages in a set environment) to keep pace with the 24*7*365 business phenomenon. Constantly changing and unpredictable needs and demands of the millennial consumer, spoilt for choice, are driving manufacturing and services sectors to automate any and every aspect of the work sphere that are replaceable from man to machines for speed, agility, and low cost. The future workforce has to, therefore, compete with smart machines and persevere to get smarter, which simply means they must develop superior skills, bandwidth, and knowledge.

I see the possibilities of super humans being groomed from the emerging tech savvy cerebral younger generation, who have acquired superior skills compared to the previous generations at corresponding ages. Thanks to immersion at a very early stage, say at toddler level, to state-of-the-art hardware and software, the gen-next may be able to learn and train only with a total upgrade of syllabus and curriculum of schools and colleges, which need to equip themselves with new multi-functional and expert (not trainee) skill sets. Talking about the hospitality industry, service techniques and management approach will have to undergo drastic changes to cope with the highly automated IOT and AI ecosystem in most manually replaceable tasks. The New Norm is all about smart learning, enlarged span to broaden the scope of capabilities and capacities of individuals.

Smart Talent, powered by cutting edge tech skills, is emerging as the new smart work force that will drive services in a far more efficient and consistent manner, circumventing the very nature of the services business which by nature is unpredictable, high variance and very individual specific – calling for flexibility along with efficiency. Herein lies the significance of a future-oriented approach to education, training, and development to build a new generation of “Smart workers”, equipped with smart skills and adequate theoretical knowledge.

No longer can organizations only rely on those who have risen from the ranks through the shop floor. Time has come for India, so heavily dependent on its services sector, to come up with a disruptive plan to alter the basic educational approach – right from primary school up to college levels. There is no choice. Livelihood skills now have to be brought into the mainstream of school syllabus, as job-oriented training is the need of the hour. Labour reforms and a culture of respectability – with dignity for every skilled job – will go a long way to attract high calibre school and pre-graduate college students to technical and skilled jobs.

“Time has come for India, so heavily dependent on its services sector, to come up with a disruptive plan to alter the basic educational approach – right from primary school up to college levels”

Let us delve into one of the most promising, high potential yet uncomplicated segments of the services sector – tourism, hospitality and travel. Millions of trained, skilled young men and women can be employed in the hospitality sector by bringing about intensive focus and adopting game-changing modern technology to educate and skill a huge number of young teenagers in technical subjects such as culinary arts and facilities management. Automation in operational management to drive efficiency while empowering individuals to acquire multi-skilling capabilities. India must experiment – at least in urbanized cities and towns, with tech-enabled education and skilling in professional employment – in industries like hospitality and tourism by targeting the dropouts or unschooled work force to go through practical, easy-to-learn classes with a high dose of practical sessions on the shopfloor.

The future of hotel management colleges, services management programs, craft centres for certificate courses, will all be altered to accommodate inclusion of experiential, live shop floor learning simultaneously. With consumers gaining deep knowledge on every aspect with exposure through the internet, a new generation of guests will raise the bar in terms of situational management. Industry-academy interaction will take place almost on a daily basis as most techniques and established conventional methods will become redundant, forcing the pace of learning to almost real-time innovation. Future campus recruits have to be billable from day one to fill in the frontline guest-facing productive vacancies, as no hospitality (or for that matter any services or product-driven firm) can afford to carry unproductive trainees for months to settle down by trial and error. Attrition rates are bound to be high with incumbent executives or associates feeling the urge to move on, switch jobs and roles in search of new skills/learnings in a new environment. It is inevitable, more so because most of the next generation workforce will aspire to work for themselves as entrepreneurs at some stage.

Fundamentally, training and coaching a smart new generation calls for a paradigm shift in the infrastructure of educational institutions, as well as an overhaul of syllabus and faculty. Career planning will be replaced with entrepreneurial planning, development and deployment within the organization to retain key players.

December 23, 2021
12 Essential Pieces of Advice for Graduates

“Everyone makes mistakes, it’s how we learn”

Chief Executive Officer of new zealand’s international Travel College (ITC), Claire Huxley has a background in international travel and tourism. Her personal extensive travel experience, paired with her marketing background, make her an incredible leader for ITC.

Claire recently offered up some words of wisdom for graduates, and for those graduating over the coming months.

“Remember the lessons you learnt during this year – resilience is about learning from what you have been through and don’t forget you’ve come this far, you can do so much more! Focus on progress not perfection.”

Here are her 12 essential tips for graduates:

1. The 4 Ps

Be positive, principled, pro-active, and productive.

That’s a powerful combination that will appeal to any employer in any industry in the world.

2. Discover yourself

Be self-aware, learn what you are good at, what you love to do, what you dislike, and discover WHY. And don’t forget to challenge yourself.

Taking your first steps into a career is a great time for self-discovery, and it will help you to decide where you’d ultimately like to end up.

3. Be open to change

Don’t say NO before you know, and don’t give up.

If there’s one thing we’ve all learned over the past year, it’s that things can change rapidly. Being open to change and not giving up will help you navigate changes throughout life.

4. Don’t hide from mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes, it’s how we learn. So when you do inevitably make a mistake, own up to it, remember that no one is perfect, and take it as an opportunity to learn and improve for the future.

5. Keep moving forward

Any career is about moving forward and keeping up that momentum to always improve and advance. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback to help guide you, and don’t let problems or challenges fester as they can slow you down or hold you back.

6. Learn from everything

Every moment is an opportunity to learn from those around you – even if you have more experience than them!

Look for a mentor who can take you under their wing and help you continue your education even after you have graduated.

“Every moment is an opportunity to learn from those around you – even if you have more experience than them! “

“You will likely meet people you don’t get along with during your career, but kindness is free, and respect will get you a lot further than petty feuds”

7. Make connections

Stay in touch with those in your graduating class – everyone you meet is a possible future opportunity or job. Your biggest asset is your network, and you’ll be amazed how it can help you in the years to come.

8. Be patient

You might not find your dream job right away, but if you keep working towards it, you will get there.

9. Utilize your co-workers

Your co-workers once started in the same place you did – they were in your shoes as a new entrant into the industry. That’s why you can use them and learn from them, ask them questions and take their advice to help you move from being a recent graduate into an industry professional like them.

10. Treat everyone with respect

Always be polite, and never stab anyone in the back.

You will likely meet people you don’t get along with during your career, but kindness is free, and respect will get you a lot further than petty feuds.

11. Keep your own counsel

When you keep your own counsel, you keep your negative opinions to yourself. It basically means if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all.

Of course, if you have ideas to improve a service, you can discuss them with your manager, but straight-out negativity is never appreciated.

12. Prepare for the future

You never know what the future may hold, but you can prepare for it now. A big part of that is getting into good habits now that will carry you through your career. Be sure to develop good time management now, and you’ll use it every day for the rest of your life.

December 23, 2021
The Significant Impact of the ‘New Normal’ on Education
“In 2020, Covid-19 hit the education industry like a tornado and accelerated growth in a completely different direction”

The Covid-19 virus is not the only thing that has undergone several major mutations over the past year. In fact, it is quite clear that the complete revamp of our education system is one other significant change we have seen over this period. Even the most erudite of scholars could not have predicted this epic modification that the entire education system, especially teachers, has had to go through to merely survive. It is nothing short of a miracle that, without any formal training for the most part, teachers adapted and reinvented themselves in a matter of a few months and took to remote learning like fish take to water.

As an educationist who has been associated with various schools in India and abroad, I am elated, to say the least, that the coronavirus pandemic has completely turned the idea of education and its delivery on its head – something that hundreds of coaches, teacher trainers, mentors and change makers had not been able to achieve over decades.

In this article, I will try to explore various factors that have influenced the education industry and whether curriculum delivery has changed for better or for worse. The burning question of the hour is whether we should we continue hybrid education and shake things up or go back to our old ways?

Compared to other industries, the Indian education industry has been known to be extremely rigid in its ways of working. It is fascinating, as well as mindboggling, that any parent who went to school in the nineties would still be able to, broadly, relate to the syllabus and curriculum content of their own children; who attend school in today’s day and age. Was their world similar to the world of today’s children? Of course, not! Well, leaving aside a younger workforce, fancy ICT tools, laptops, tablets, and so forth, there isn’t much that has changed in terms of education. And is that really what you call change?

In 2020, Covid-19 hit the education industry like a tornado and accelerated growth in a completely different direction. Those who were resistant to distance and online education were forced to seriously consider remote learning as the future of education. Companies involved in content creation, knowledge development, professional development are having a field day taking training workshops for teachers who were technologically handicapped, or whose ICT knowledge was limited to checking emails or making PowerPoint presentations.

Distance / online education is the name of the game now. Teachers who have adapted and adopted the necessary skills are reveling in their new-found glory. Students who are self-motivated and focused on personal growth and development have shown remarkable improvement in understanding. Lesson planning now incorporates tools like MS Teams, Zoom, Nearpod, Wakelet, YouTube, Padlet, and many more.

Home schooling, which was almost taboo in the Pre-corona era, is now a practical alternative for stay-at-home parents. It is already a popular option for children with special needs or those who have no access to education, also for parents who aspire to an early start in the careers of their children (like music, sports, etc.) and might prefer that they invest hours in practicing tennis or riyaaz in music instead of acquiring text book knowledge which will be of little use to them. This could also now become a popular choice for parents who wish to get an international education for their children but do not wish to dive deep into their pockets for exorbitantly priced international schools.

In fact, home-schooling or remote learning can also offer flexibility to students who want to explore and undertake professional courses like theatre, gardening, cooking, gaming as compared to a time when their life had been all about attending school, tuitions, prepare for entrance exams, and going on to becoming doctors or engineers. I have nothing against these professions but, as a teacher, I am empathetic towards children who have no interest in them but are forced to take them up due to parental pressure or lack of other viable options.

Another radical shift that has occurred has been from an excessive preoccupation with academics towards a focus on developing life skills, as well as strengthening emotional and mental health. According to Wikipedia, education is defined as the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, morals, beliefs, and habits; but, the focus had been on certain professions and on training students to take entrance exams. Learning for the sake of learning and the joy of discovering new things had completely disappeared from the education system. The erstwhile Indian Gurukul system centered on living a fulfilling life, where each individual worked towards maximizing their own potential, but that philosophy was most conveniently ignored when education transformed into a profit-making venture.

“As an educationist who has been associated with various schools in India and abroad, I am elated, to say the least, that the coronavirus pandemic has completely turned the idea of education and its delivery on its head – something that hundreds of coaches, teacher trainers, mentors and change makers had not been able to achieve over decades”

“The erstwhile Indian Gurukul system centered on living a fulfilling life, where each individual worked towards maximizing their own potential, but that philosophy was most conveniently ignored when education transformed into a profit-making venture”

Coming back to the most important stakeholder – the student – I am extremely happy for them, because their double income-earning parents have been coerced to shift their focus back to them, and to tending to their social, emotional and behavioral needs. Having said that, too much parental involvement is a double-edged sword and can thwart the personality of children. Parents must walk a tightrope between being too involved and completely disconnected with their child’s well-being. This period, when parents have had to monitor their children while they attend school from home, has unquestionably made parents more appreciative of teachers than ever; but at the same time, their ever-increasing demands from teachers can be unreasonable at times.

When a survey in the US was conducted to assess the emotional health of teachers during Covid-19, responses from over 5,000 teachers underlined the same emotions I have been experiencing: “frustrated, overwhelmed, stressed, tired, and happy”. Yes, these are the words I will use to describe my exhaustion right now. Teachers have been constantly working from home and delivering lessons to keep their students engaged. It is a pity that many schools have let their staff go as they were not able to retain them. To make matters worse, the salary that teachers earn is not commensurate with their working hours. One of the most common grievances is that teachers need to complete notebook/online corrections, assessment papers, lesson planning in their own personal time, cutting back on their own family time. Besides, one must now answer emails constantly and be available to students all round the clock.

However, we must take a step back and reassess the situation that we are grappling with. This is the time for some self-introspection and to redefine the roles of the three most important stakeholders in the business of education – the student, the parent, and the teacher.

To conclude, I will leave you with a question – have things changed for the better or for worse? That, only time itself can reveal; but it is essential to reflect from the perspective of the teacher who is most often overlooked, but whose social and emotional well-being is as important as the students’; because you cannot ‘pour from an empty cup’. As far as the education industry is concerned, I think Oprah Winfrey sums it up beautifully in her quote, “One of the hardest things in life to learn are which bridges to cross and which bridges to burn.” I hope we, as Covid-19 survivors, can discern which bridges to cross and which bridges to burn.
- The article was originally published in Career Ahead April 2021 issue.
December 23, 2021